Morocco [2]

Grandpa had enjoyed the beauty of the gardens of Morocco as its lovely fruit. I could have well enjoyed whole meals with the fresh fruit that they placed upon the tables. The pictures of the city of Dakhar reveal its freshness as well as its history. It was pleasant to visit the shops and the people of the city. Dakhar is in the Sahara part of Morocco.
Grandpa is naïve about the teachings of the Koran and their belief in Allah. The Koran is a dangerous book, but God’s Word is powerful and true. There are not two gods (authorities) but one God and Allah is not God. Scripture has been given to us by the Spirit of God (the second Person of the Godhead) that we might know God as they Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Though the Koran acknowledges Jesus, they only do so as a prophet along with others, as Mohammed being Allah’s prophet. Also, we recognize that as we met with the dignitaries of Morocco they presented themselves in the best of lights (though mixed with lies). As some has noted they were not interested in hearing about our Christian faith (we were there to listen to them). Grandpa is still sifting through the experience and desiring to know more of the truth about certain topics that they brought forth.
Nevertheless, their hospitality was good, accepted as being genuine, and enjoyed. We did not sit with them to unite ourselves to them but to show a friendship with a desire to listen. Scripture teaches us that the Triune God is Sovereign in all things. He brings up nations and He brings nations down before His judgment. Within the Almighty acts of God He opens doors for His people that the Gospel may be revealed. There is a Christian presence in Morocco, a few churches and Bible studies, as well as an underground church. We also have an obligation to encourage them in their situation, to pray for them and be ready to stand with them. When you sit with the Moroccans you realize that they are under the Kingship of Christ, for judgment on the one hand, for redemption on the other. We must be as wise as serpents and ready to serve wherever and whenever He sends us.
Coveting all opportunities for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ,
His servant,
‘Grandpa”
Robert L. La May

Visit to Morocco

Grandpa had a great opportunity to travel to a nation where he had once lived for two years at a U.S. Naval Air Base. The picture at the right was taken in Rabat (Country Club) - you will note the tower in the background. I had brought some pictures I took while at the Base in 52-54 and one was of this tower. As a delegate of the Christian Observer I joined a group of Christians under the banner of Christian Friendship Mission, which had accepted an invitation to visit the country of Morocco. My first stop after being picked up at the Casablanca airport was the city of Fez (where I immediately bought a Fez). When I was there in ’53 & ’54 the roads were narrow and the country was called ‘French Morocco.’ Since then they have retained their country being ruled by the Sultan or King. Since the ‘80’s the country has truly grown, cities as busy as can be, four lane highways up the coast, investments from other nations giving Morocco a new face. The almost new University and its campus is a beautiful place to see, educating young people from various nations in various disciplines. Pictured at the left is the V. P. of Academic Affairs AL Akawhen University Driss Ouaouicha (Ifrane). I was most impressed by their library of books and computers. The atmosphere for study was great.
The purpose of the trip was to build a viable bridge of friendship; the kind of friendship which we pray will reveal the will of our Lord in establishing His church out of every nation. The Moroccans went out of their way in hospitality, with four plate dinners and conversations that helped us understand some of their desires and needs. We met with the Wali’s (like governors of territories) [see pic at right of Wali Hassan Ourid in Meknes) who seemed to appreciate the time to express their views about their relationship with America, and their needs as a nation. We met with two Sahrawi Refugees at the Civil Society Building in Dahhla. Concern was expressed for those who were still kept in refugee camps and discussion as to what is needed to help those in oppression.
We stayed at the Sahara Hotel in Dakhla, which was a delightful experience. We met with those who were meeting for Bible Study. The hospitality at the Hotel went beyond that of just having a room to stay. (More pictures at a later date).

Thanksgiving Question

Grandpa has been traveling. However, there is a holiday that travels the less distance but faster. The two holidays that run on fuel called pecuniary proceeds, are Halloween and Christmas (which is a holiday sometimes called holiday). In between these holidays is that which is called Thanksgiving (if you read the previous Blog you would get an understanding of why there is such a holiday).
Halloween in Brooklyn in the 40’s was the time for tricks. It was the time when Dad took down the gates, and along with the garbage cans, locked them in the basement. Thanksgiving was a time of celebration. Thursday morning we put on our worse clothes and went around the neighborhood, knocking on doors and saying, “Anything for Thanksgiving?” We had to get home in time for Church worship, followed by the family thanksgiving dinner. We came home with paper bags filled with apples and oranges and nuts. The following week Christmas decorations started to find its way into the stores. We especially waited for Macy’s and other Department Stores to decorate their windows. A trip to Manhattan during the season was a must for the family to see the Christmas Tree and watch the skaters take to the ice. Grandpa had the opportunity to don his skates a couple of years.
Enough of memories. What Grandpa really wants to say is that there is a reason for Thanksgiving to passed over, and Christmas a time for the ACLU and others to eliminate the signs of the Christian celebration (even to the extent of one principal hiding the green and red colored papers).
What is the real reason to hide the fact that our forefathers set apart a day of thanksgiving; that many rejoiced in the truth of the birth and life of the Savior? It is this: “To whom are we to give thanks, and to whom are we to worship with thanksgiving?”